Introduction
Ghost stories and supernatural beings have always been a big part of every culture’s folklore. They tell us a lot about a society’s beliefs, fears, and values. Korea has its own unique set of paranormal entities, and interestingly, there are parallels to these figures in Western folklore. In this blog, we’ll explore some famous Korean supernatural beings and their Western counterparts.
Dokkaebi and the Goblin: Mischief and Magic
Dokkaebi (도깨비), the Korean goblin, is a supernatural creature known for its playful and mischievous nature. Dokkaebi have magical powers and are known for their love of pranks. However, they are not inherently evil. They can reward people with wealth or punish those who are greedy, often testing humans’ character through games. They are also protectors of treasure and wield magical clubs that can summon objects.
In the West, Goblins are similar but often portrayed as more malicious. These creatures are known to be small, ugly, and malevolent, often causing trouble for people by stealing, breaking things, or playing mean tricks. Unlike Dokkaebi, goblins usually don't have a dual nature and are typically feared rather than revered.
Though Dokkaebi can be both helpful and troublesome, and goblins tend to be more destructive, both share a love for trickery and magic. If you’re fascinated by Korean folklore and want to discover more about its culture, check out Seoulbox for a taste of Korea delivered right to your doorstep!
Mul Gwisin and La Llorona: Spirits of Water
Mul Gwisin (물귀신), or water ghosts, are the spirits of people who drowned. They often haunt the bodies of water where they died, forever tied to their place of death. In Korean folklore, Mul Gwisin are known for pulling unsuspecting victims into the water, as they seek to have others join them in their tragic fate. These spirits represent unresolved grief and are reminders of the dangers associated with water.
The Latin American legend of La Llorona carries a similar theme. La Llorona, or "The Weeping Woman," is the spirit of a mother who drowned her own children in a moment of despair. Filled with regret, she wanders near rivers and lakes, crying and searching for her lost children. Like Mul Gwisin, La Llorona’s presence is tied to water, and her tragic fate warns people to stay away from dangerous waters, especially at night.
Both Mul Gwisin and La Llorona symbolize deep sorrow, loss, and the haunting power of grief.
Jeoseung Saja and the Grim Reaper: Guides to the Afterlife
In Korean folklore, Jeoseung Saja (저승사자) is the angel of death, tasked with guiding souls to the afterlife. He’s not a figure to be feared but is rather neutral, simply doing his job. His role is to ensure that the dead reach their destination in the afterlife without interference. Often portrayed as emotionless and dutiful, Jeoseung Saja does not judge or harm but instead performs his role with efficiency.
The Grim Reaper in Western folklore has a similar function. He is usually depicted as a skeletal figure cloaked in black, carrying a scythe. Like Jeoseung Saja, the Grim Reaper isn’t inherently evil, but his appearance can be ominous. His job is to guide souls from the living world to the afterlife, reminding us of the inevitability of death.
Both figures act as necessary guides to the afterlife, serving as a bridge between the living and the dead. If you're curious to experience Korea’s culture beyond the folklore, Seoulbox delivers a little piece of Korea every month, packed with snacks, culture, and surprises!
Cheonyeo Gwisin and the Lady in White: Tragic Spirits of Unfulfilled Desires
Cheonyeo Gwisin (처녀귀신) is the spirit of an unmarried woman who died with unfulfilled desires, often related to love or marriage. Dressed in traditional white funeral clothing, these ghosts are often depicted with long black hair covering their faces. They linger in the world because they could not fulfill the social or personal expectations placed upon them in life. Cheonyeo Gwisin are tied to sorrow and unfinished business, and they haunt the living with their presence.
The Lady in White, a common figure in Western ghost stories, shares a similar backstory. Often appearing near roads, forests, or lakes, the Lady in White is usually connected to tragic stories of love, betrayal, or loss. Like Cheonyeo Gwisin, she is bound to the earth because of her unfulfilled desires and continues to haunt the places where she met her tragic end.
Both Cheonyeo Gwisin and the Lady in White represent the pain of unfulfilled dreams and desires, showing how societal pressures can continue to affect people even after death.
Conclusion
Ghost stories aren’t just about fear; they’re reflections of our shared experiences as humans. Whether it’s the mischievous Dokkaebi, the tragic Mul Gwisin, or the somber Jeoseung Saja, these figures tell us a lot about how we see life, death, and the world beyond. Although each culture adds its own unique touch to these supernatural beings, they are united by common themes of loss, mischief, and the unknown.
Image Credits:
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